Each month, our Hello, Happy Mama column features a resident of Kern County who stands out. They have life experiences to share and inspire others. We are so proud to share our community with each person who has graced our pages. This year, we’ve featured 10 women and one man in our special Father’s Day edition. Our staff circled back with a few interviewees to get their take on good end-of-year questions as we look to 2023.

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Q. Looking back on 2022, what is your best parenting advice?

ANSWERS:

Carla Barrientos: My best parenting advice is take your time and go at your own pace. This year has been so busy and many of us feel the pressure to get back to normal, but still have lingering struggles from the past few years. It's okay to slow down.

Davi Erickson: Treat your kids with respect as fellow humans. Yes, they still need your guidance & boundaries…but do this with love & kindness. One day, they will move out (my oldest son just left for college) and the shoe is on the other foot. We are now at their mercy, as to how involved they wish us to be. The more you have treated them with dignity and respect, the more open they are to keep you in the loop and in their lives for monthly visits with dinner, holidays and nightly phone calls! And eventually with being involved with grandchildren.

Tara Haner: Take time to listen. Listen to your intuition, listen to your children when they speak, listen to the rhythm of life around you and how it can be better enjoyed, explored and understood.

Jennifer Rogers-Etcheverry: Now that so many of the COVID restrictions have been lifted, I find most activities and events back on track. I see my daughter running her kids in all directions. My advice is “take time for you!”

Lauren Skidmore: Let go of the guilt and allow yourself grace. Your kids will love you if you show love to them.

Vaun Thygerson: 2022 was a year of change for our family as my son went to college and left home. It is such a bittersweet moment as a mom because on one hand, you’re so happy for their new adventure, and on the other, you are super sad and miss them a lot!  I have tried to embrace this change and be more happy than sad with his new adventure. Even though he is missed around our house, we have all been able to see him a few times and it’s such a blast to watch him play lacrosse at college. As a mom, change is inevitable. I’ve had to learn that change can be something to celebrate rather than fear!

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Q. Considering the year it has been, do you have a new parenting hashtag to share?

ANSWERS:

Carla Barrientos: The new parenting hashtag should be #ItsOkayToLaugh. Humor can be one of the best additions to throw into this wild parenting journey. On days where your kids are tantruming and really struggling, take a moment and get a little silly, make a joke, give some tickles or a cuddly hug and add some laughter. It can completely change the moment.

Davi Erickson: This is my first year being an adoptive mom of 4 little girls, so this is the first year I have participated in #NationalAdoptionAwarenessMonth or #naam.

Tara Haner: #SlowDown

Jennifer Rogers-Etcheverry: #RemembertoBreathe

Lauren Skidmore: #LoveYourChildAndLoveYourself

Vaun Thygerson: #CelebrateChange

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Q. The holidays can be a stressful time for families. What's making you laugh lately?

ANSWERS:

Carla Barrientos: My kids dancing to music always makes me laugh. We love to have random dance parties and they GET DOWN! They are only 1 and 4, but they already have better moves than me and my husband!

Davi Erickson: Doing Christmas decorating and shopping ahead of time has definitely made more room for a relaxed mama who laughs more. I have more time to pay attention to the little nuances of my children and they have me laughing with all their silly antics!

Tara Haner: My husband’s silly jokes and puns. I’m thankful for humor in our marriage every day. Even when things are rough, I know if we can still pray together and laugh together, we’ll be okay.

Jennifer Rogers-Etcheverry: Always my grandkids!

Lauren Skidmore: My daughter is at the age where bodily functions are funny. I’m looking forward to the random outburst when the first family member passes gas at Christmas. Kids have no shame or filter and it’s great.

Vaun Thygerson: I have found a new Instagrammer I love to follow. Her name is @Pamelathemostes and she calls herself a pop culture reporter for the “Instagrammas.”  She calls us that because we are die-hard Instagram fans who don’t branch out to explore other social media apps. Her weekly reports are so fun to watch to learn about new trends and styles that are popular with the younger generations.